Tuesday, September 09, 2014

BAMF by SJD Peterson ~ Review & Giveaway

Synopsis

With his fauxhawk, sleeve tattoos, and visible piercings, Ridley Corbin has the whole bad ass vibe going on in spades. The image serves him well as the self-proclaimed protector of the underdog, and he wants nothing more than to be Alex Firestone's hero.Alex, a mild-mannered library assistant, has moved to Slater, a quiet college town, hoping to hide from his past. He keeps to himself, but that doesn't save him from catching the unwanted attention of the campus bully. But not all is as it seems. Alex's past comes calling, and it's time he becomes top dog.

Monique’s Review

SJD Peterson has done it again. This isn't just a winner, it's Olympic Gold!!!

Be prepared for some rough, raunchy, hungry, filthy sex, with dirty talking that will have your stomach flipping, and two wonderfully drawn characters guaranteed to steal your heart. I admit... I am totally besotted with Riley and Alex...

Occasionally you pick up a book and within the first couple of lines you are immediately drawn to the character… That is exactly what happened to me with BAMF. Riley’s voice and the telling of his tale gave me that tingling feeling of anticipation that makes you want to just keep flipping those pages. It was the nonchalant way he describes how as a small scrawny child, desperate for company, having the appearance and intelligence of a boy who would spend a lot of time with a bloody nose and a black eye, uses his nous to his advantage. And later creating a persona of intimidation, thus saving him from the torment of bullies…. which also gave him the mind set of someone with an inherent need to save others from the same fate.

I fell in love with Ridley from the very first page…

Alex the cute blond haired, blue eyed geeky librarian is intense, evasive and reluctant to discuss any part of his past with Riley, and definitely does not want to be saved. So when the demure geek disappears and the sexual predator comes out to play, all dominant, aggressive and dirty… Holy Jesus, Mary and Joseph, this guy is hotness personified and the power just exudes from him. I was on pins, holding my breath waiting to see how he orchestrated this game of seduction. He may be a nerd but he’s more than aware of his sexuality and the effect he has on the oh-so-horny and besotted Riley.

I fell in love with Alex, because as the saying goes

“You should never judge a book by it’s cover”

The fun for these boys, and for me was is in the challenge, Ridley fighting his need to push back against Alex’s control and dominance and embrace the feeling of submitting. And Alex, knowing exactly what Riley needs and just how to give it to him. They bounce off each other, their wants, desires, and the erotically charged sexual tension and chemistry between them, it’s a continuous tug of war… yet the fit is perfect. With some incredibly moving and tender moments that left me all of a mush, and an ending that had me gushing with an abundance of happy tears.

And let’s not forget the humour, because there is plenty to make you laugh out loud in BAMF and I was literally crying laughing at times. But it was one particular scene that totally touched my funny bone and I just couldn’t stop. Jo Peterson brought these characters to life for me, their personalities were vivid in my imagination and I could envisage that scene and their reactions so clearly… it was without a doubt one of the funniest parts in a book I have read in a long time.

Your expectations from the blub and what Ms Peterson so cleverly elicits in this book is captivating. BAMF is a powerful story in so many ways, but what really got to me was the excellent characterisation and the relationship between Riley and Alex, made all the more compelling because things aren’t what they seem. There is also an undercurrent of danger which enhances their story and gives it direction, also creating an element of mystery surrounding Alex, which was another thing that kept me turning those pages. I was desperate to discover Alex’s secret past, where he came from, the whole build up kept me gripped! So, when his past catches up with him, not only threatening his life but Ridley’s too… well, that and the incredible sex these two men have, as well as the very touching and emotional relationship they share, just topped the bar for me with this book… I loved everything about it!

I feel like Jo Peterson is evolving as a writer, bringing something new to the table each time she releases a new book. She is a wonderful writer that manages to breathe life into her characters, creating an atmosphere of intimacy. I’m not reading words, I am seeing her men in all their wonderful glory, with all their quirks and mannerisms familiar. Even the subtle changes in tone are noticeable, her story telling for me is enthralling and her writing… flawless.

BAMF is definitely one of my best reads of 2014 so far, it was an unexpected treasure chest filled with everything I love about opening the pages of a book and just falling in love.

Don’t think about it… just read it!

Buy it Here

About SJD Peterson

SJD Peterson, better known as Jo, hails from Michigan. Not the best place to live for someone who hates the cold and snow. When not reading or writing, Jo can be found close to the heater checking out NHL stats and watching the Red Wings kick a little butt. Can't cook, misses the clothes hamper nine out of ten tries, but is handy with power tools.

Oh, this sounds so, so good! Great review, Monique! When ever I read of a geeky sort of character, one who is the joke to the bullies, I want to hug them and protect them. And so I want to hug and protect Alex just like Ridley wanted to do...And did! Thanks for the giveaway!